The Difference

It feels like the '90s all over again. No, I don't mean the IPO of LinkedIn for a ridiculous figure (16 times earnings). Rather, it's the rash of highly publicized security incidents, with Sony being the most recent—and the most frequent. LulzSec has bragged online that their " hack " was embarrassingly easy: a simple SQL injection [1]. The attacks on Sony's networks worldwide have led to a flood of released data, including info on registered users and source code. The Sony attacks, and those on HBGary Federal and PBS .org, seem to have been done for political reasons. After a decade where computer attacks have been primarily focused on financial gain, this marks a rare turn toward vigilantism. What these attacks also reveal is the very porousness of network security. When the only way we would learn of attacks was after the California law on disclosure of personally identifying information forced an announcement, it wasn't obvious just how often organizations were being broken into. Now it seems as if we are back in the era of unpatched Linux systems being taken over by automated attacks. But this time around, things are different. Much has changed between 1999 and 2011. The publication of exploits has largely gone underground, as exploits are now sold on the black market both to governments and to criminals. Attackers are no longer motivated by becoming famous (or infamous), with the recent exceptions of Anonymous and LulzSec. Instead, criminal organizations use exploits to take over Windows PCs for use in botnets, or steal databases loaded with credit card information. The monetization of exploits has long been under way. But some things have not changed at all .In 1999, only a fool would claim that their Internet-connected system was totally secure, and proof against all attacks. And that is just as true today. Only we behave as if it isn't so. And instead of attacking Internet-facing *nix servers, today's attackers can rely on a different technique, one that totally trashes any concept of having a " network perimeter. " They can gain a foothold inside any network through the use of email and Windows PCs. The Google attack, announced over a year ago (January 2010 [2]), has just been repeated. I believe that similar attacks are behind the exploita-tions of RockYou (32 million passwords stolen), Gawker (300,000), and certainly of HBGary Federal .

One such returning young adult is new member, Jessica Nimkar, who grew up attending Temple Israel. "What I love most about the High Holy Day services is the sense of community. It's great seeing a completely packed room with so many new and familiar faces, and to see so many babies and little children. As my husband and I start thinking of a family, I look forward to the day I bring my little ones to services as well," she said.
On a more serious note, Rabbi Michael's sermons touched a variety of important topics. On Rosh Hashanah, he looked outward and spoke about the problems of anti-Semitism and climate change. On Yom Kippur, he wanted to turn inward. He spoke about the importance of seeing our Jewish lives comprised of a set of spiritual practices and celebrating the practices we've adopted, rather than feeling guilty about the mitzvot we haven't adopted. Additionally, he spoke about shame and his hope that Shirat Hayam can be a place of healing.
Mark Messenger, CSH President, wants to

Life of the Congregation
Throughout Jewish history and wherever Jews have lived, among the highest expressions of our spiritual, moral, and religious ideals has been the hevra kaddisha, the Jewish Burial Society or "sacred gathering". Always, the first task when a new Jewish community might be established has been the organization of caring men and women to tend to the needs of the deceased, preparing for the respectful and loving burial of our dear ones. Members of the hevra kaddisha attend to the practice of taharah -the ritual washing of the body prior to burial -as well as the cloaking of the departed in the traditional burial garments, tachrichim, and the placing of the departed in the simple casket. These rites are considered to be acts of unblemished kindness, for which no repayment can ever be made, and no such favor ever returned. There is no greater mitzvah in Jewish life than being part of a hevra kaddisha.
Sadly, here in our North Shore community, the availability of a hevra kaddisha has become a problem, especially for those families who do not identify as Orthodox in practice. Partly due to the more "corporate" evolution of family-owned mortuaries and the geographical limitations of the North Shore, families who desire for their dear ones the traditional rites (including taharah) must transport their loved ones into Brookline or other locations before the body can truly be allowed to "rest in peace." Adherence to our traditional rites means sacrificing the the principal of "k'vod ha-met"-respect for the departed.
Recently, our North Shore Rabbinical and Cantorial Association and local Jewish funeral directors in our area met to jointly address the need for a local hevra kaddisha. Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP) and the Community Hevra Kaddisha of Greater Boston have joined the discussion to help resolve our need. The Community Hevra Kadisha of Greater Boston (CHK) is an independent, non-denominational organization of individuals, synagogues and other Jewish institutions committed to making the full range of burial rituals accessible and available to the entire Jewish community. It is a model that we are looking to emulate here on the North Shore. (See www.hevrakadisha.org for more information.) So, this is where YOU come in, for creating and participating as a hevra kadisha is a voluntary expression of lovingkindness. If you are interested in learning about (and perhaps then being trained in) the various rituals and procedures that have been part of Jewish life and death for millennia, our community will gather for an informational session on TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19 TH at 7:30pm at Temple B'nai Abraham in Beverly. Rabbis, funeral directors, and representatives of the CHK will be on hand to help guide the discussion and move forward to creating our own consortium of volunteers ready and willing to share in this highest of all mitzvot.
We hope to see you there.

CEE News
CSH offers multiple pathways to Jewish life, learning and prayer. We will deliver the most fulfilling spiritual experience and the best childhood and teen education on the North Shore.
Every encounter with our congregation leaves you feeling welcomed, connected and enriched.
We embrace our responsibility to invest in strengthening our Jewish community for generations to come.  "He Was a Blessing to Us All" On October 23, over 150 gathered to share a special minyan led by Ann Segal followed by a congregational memorial to honor Cantor Emeritus Emil Berkovits z"l, beloved friend, teacher and cantor at Temple Israel and Shirat Hayam from 2003-2014. Cantor Emil passed away July 24. Eleven people spoke, highlighting the many different facets that comprised the gem who was "our Emil." All extolled his endless virtues: Friend, mentor, mensche. Inspiration, teacher, selfless and compassionate. Dependable, generous, passionate. "Everyone was as special to him as he was to them," Mark Friedman said. "This is who he was. These are the footprints he left for us to follow."

CSH Vision Statement
After a slide show and song by Marcy Yellin, all were invited to a scotch toast (the CSH tradition Cantor Emil originated) and a buffet of some of his favorite sweet things.

Life of the Congregation
By Michele Tamaren, Shir Nefesh co-chair In 5780 Shir Lanu, Congregation Shirat Hayam's highly successful Inclusion Program, will expand its mission to embrace a new Mental Health Initiative: Shir Nefesh, Song of the Soul. Shir Nefesh will serve to help remove the obstacles from the road of our people faced with emotional challenges.
In the U.S., one in five individuals struggle with mental health issues each year. Depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and so much more can lead to isolation, loneliness, disconnection, and shame. Of course, each family member who supports loved ones with these challenges is affected as well.
Mental Health is a deeply Jewish Issue. Torah repeatedly commands us to Love our neighbor as ourselves, to welcome the stranger, the widow, the orphan. The truth is, those in emotional distress often feel like the stranger, even to themselves.
Shir Nefesh will provide a variety of offerings including education about mental illness and mental wellness, a resource directory of professional services, and above all a compassionate, loving community. While not therapy, a genuine Culture of Caring is healing. Thankfully, we have a powerful partner in this sacred endeavor, the Ruderman Synagogue Inclusion Foundation, under the auspices of CJP. With their guidance and support, and our members' sincere empathy, we will together fufill the Torah's commandment to "build up a highway, clear the road, and remove all obstacles" for those of us longing for connection and compassion in community. And isn't that all of us?
There will be more on Shir Nefesh in the coming months. Please reach out to co-chairs Amanda Clayman (AClayman@katzstefani. com) or to me (micheletamaren@earthlink.net) or anyone on the Inclusion Committee with your thoughts. Join us as we honor the Song in each of our souls.

Another Minyannaire Milestone Birthday
Arlene Leventhal celebrated her 80th birthday with her fellow morning minyannaires with a beautiful cake lovingly handcrafted by the inimitable Doris Villa. Condolences CJE News CJE is expanding the possibilities for Jewish education at Shirat Hayam and in our larger community. One of our newest offerings is our Ulpan Adventure class -conversational Hebrew for students who have advanced past decoding due to prior studies. Students are encouraged to speak, read, and listen to everyday Hebrew taught by an Israeli-born staff member. They anticipate translating a popular children's book from Hebrew to English, performing skits, watching some of Israel's most popular music videos, and more.

A New Year
Another new program coming next month is the JFamily Exploration program -offered in partnership with CJP, Lappin, the JCCNS, and private support -to help families of any constellation who are raising a Jewish child and want to build or strengthen their own family's Jewish knowledge and identity. The program has been developed in response to interfaith families asking for Jewish family educational experiences especially once they have left a Jewish preschool. The programs are designed to give families tools, experiences and information whether they belong to any congregation or other Jewish institution.

How to Make a Donation
To make a donation, please visit shirathayam.org/ Donate or mail your donation with a check made out to CSH or Congregation Shirat Hayam. Please specify the fund to which your donation should be allocated.
Our deepest condolences to those who have passed away.

MEMBERS:
Beatrice Jake, Yael and Noah in the Sukkah. Before the Sukkah was gone with the wind, there were some nice moments in it for CJE 7th graders.

What made you decide to join CSH?
My family, including my grandparents, have always had a connection to the Temple, particularly during the High Holy Days. When I returned from college years ago, I always attended High Holy Day services or events under my family's membership and enjoyed the continuity of Jewish traditions. I married my high-school sweetheart, Sean Nimkar, in June 2018, and we recently bought a house in Danvers. When we started discussing our future and I learned about the new structure for membership, I knew it was time for me to become a member on my own.
My husband and I are an interfaith couple. Sean was raised Catholic, but the Rabbi and members have been incredibly inviting and welcoming to not only me but to Sean as well. That really means a lot. We have had the opportunity to meet with Rabbi Michael a number of times, including Shabbat dinner at his home and discussion groups at CSH. I truly appreciate how inclusive and open Shirat Hayam is.

Do you work? Could you tell us a little about it?
Yes! I work for Salem Glass Company, a glass and glazing subcontractor that focuses on both exterior envelope construction and interior fit-out projects. It's my family's business, started by my great-grandparents in 1929. We celebrated our 90th anniversary this August. I am very proud of all the hard work and success my family has built and it's a blessing to be a part of the 4th generation of family to work there. I get to work with my grandmother, Lois Miller, my uncles, my Dad and my brother -everyday! How has this area changed since you were growing up here?
Actually, I find that it really hasn't changed that much. Swampscott has always been a place of comfort and belonging for me.